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The dependent t-test (called the Paired-Samples T Test in SPSS) compares the means between two related groups on the same continuous variable. The SPSS t-test procedure also provides relevant descriptive statistics. For an easy-to-follow guide on the dependent t-test please see our statistical guide.
Assumptions
Dependent variable is interval or ratio (continuous) (see our Types of Variableguide). The differences between the two groups on the dependent t-test approximately normally distributed (see Testing for Normality article). Independent variable consists of one group or two "matched-pairs" groups.
Example
A group of Sports Science students (n = 20) are selected from the population to investigate whether a 12 week plyometric training programme improves their standing long jump performance. In order to test whether this training improves performance, the sample group are tested for their long jump performance, undertake a plyometric training programme, and then measured again at the end of the programme.
Testing assumptions
To determine whether your samples are normally distributed read our Testing for Normalityarticle. What if your samples are not normally distributed? Well, if your data set is large then small deviations are generally tolerable. However, if your samples are small or your data set is largely non-normal then you need to consider a non-parametric test instead, such as the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test.
3. You need to transfer the variables "JUMP1" and "JUMP2" into the "PairedVariables:" box. There are two ways to do this. You can either highlight both variables (use the cursor and hold down the shift key and press the button or you can drag and drop each variable into the boxes) If you are using older versions of SPSS, you will need to transfer the variables using the former method. You will end up with a screen similar to the one below:
button shifts the pair of variables you have highlighted down one level. button shifts the pair of variables you have highlighted up one level. button shifts the order of the variables with a variable pair itself. 4. If you need to change the confidence level limits or to exclude cases then press the button:
The second table titled Paired Samples Correlations provides you with the correlation between "JUMP1" and "JUMP2". Paired Samples Test Table The third table titled Paired Samples Test is the table where the results of the dependent t-test are presented. A lot of information is presented here and it is important to remember that this information refers to differences between the two jumps (the subtitle reads "Paired Differences"). As such, the columns of the table labelled "Mean", "Std. Deviation", "Std. Error Mean", 95% CI refer to the mean difference between the two jumps and the standard deviation, standard error and 95% CI of this difference, respectively. The last 3 columns express the results of the dependent t-test, namely the t-value, the degrees of freedom and the significance level.